Normally, we focus on providing information to the buyers to help them make informed purchasing decisions. Today, we are turning in another direction with our blog and providing our fellow jewelry sales people some advice on getting those add-on sales.

The holiday season has been a good one so far for many retailers, due to lower gas prices and people who are eager to shop, as usual. While Christmas has passed us up already (can you believe it???), there are still ways to keep your sales going strong in the after Christmas sales category. Yes, people are still spending!

Consumers may be returning items and getting something in their place that they like better, or better yet, some people may be looking toward the New Year and gifts that are perfect to start a new year off with.  

Here are a few quick tips to increase your add-on sales:

1.  Practice Selling with Your Staff

2. Keep a Carefully Selected Stock of Merchandise Near Check-Out

3. Continue the Conversation with the Customer During Repairs or Gift-Wrapping

4. Hold Internal Incentive Competitions for Add-On Sales

5. Always Keep the Next Upcoming Holiday in Mind

6. Get Customers to Consider a Matching Watch, Bracelet, Necklace, etc. For Their Significant Other

A reminder was recently issued by the Jewelers Vigilance Commitee regarding the FTC's guidelines for grading diamonds. Basically, members of the industry will be held liable for the claims that they make about diamonds if their claims are not supported or they do not disclose the diamond grading system honestly.

The basic points were made in the reminder that the JVC released included:

1. The FTC requires that the identity of the grading system of a diamond must be honestly disclosed if any kind of representation is made about a grade.

2. If a diamond grade is misrepresented, it is not only unfair, it is also deceptive.

Basically, if a grading system is used for a diamond by a lab, and that particular lab deviates at all from industry norms, those differences should be disclosed to ensure that reporting does not seem deceptive to consumers, therefore allowing buyers to make fully informed purchasing decisions.

This holiday season, wings are the "in" things.

There are plenty of reasons that wings have become popular. One of the top reasons is because wings can represent a myriad of different interpretations. There are birds wings, butterfly wings, angel wings, pegasus wings...and while the wings of each different animal represents a different type of symbolism, wings of any type are symbolistic of freedom, flight, and even heaven and nature.

Mythology can also be referred to when wings are present.

Jewelry designers this season are putting wings to use in a variety of jewelry pieces, from demure and simple necklaces and dainty charms to winged collars that are oversized and may even be considered gaudy.

Regardless of who you are shopping for, jewelry with wings can be a great gift that carries a different symbolism for each person. What types of winged jewelry have you seen and loved?